Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to April Nichole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi April, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
The term “risk- taker,” was not in my vocabulary til I was put in a new environment in my teens for the 3rd time. Our family moved around quite a bit, which opened me up to new experiences, surrounding and people. I had to make the choice over and over again to either step out of my comfort zone, take hold and embrace the change or stay comfortable, sit back and wonder. I chose to step out of my comfort zone and everytime the opportunity popped up to make that choice, I did.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Owning a business has always been the goal since age 12, I have had a love for art and fashion since age 11. This love only grew, when I joined Emerson,a Visual and Performing Arts school, in hopes of becoming a fashion designer. Eventually, the thought of making that dream a reality brought about the idea of a boutique. The boutique was put on hold for a long time due to life events, but my diagnosis of Postpartum Cardiomyopathy, heart failure due to child birth, in 2018 made me realize, life is too short not to pursue happiness and what you love. So instead of waiting to heal from surgery to go back to my 9-5 job, I took a risk and started working hard on my dream and my path towards opening my boutique, Crave Dior 4 months after being released from hospital and rehab. In doing so I hope to fulfill my dream as well as inspire my kids that they are more than their circumstance and to pursue what they want.
Crave Dior offers vibrant, fun and bold looks whether for any occassion. We offer women sizes small to 5xl in apparel, accessories, jewelry, bags, eyewear and more. I have always viewed taking fashion as a way to express what you feel or you would like to feel. Speaking from experience, a good outfit on a bad day can be uplifting and empowering.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three most impactful skills, qualities or knowledge you can have in any business would be; consistency, build your community and love for what you do. These three things have been so vitale to the growth not only in my business but in life as well. It keeps me motivated and willing to trust the process.
No one knows your vision better than you. So your presence in and for your business is needed for it to grow the way you want it to grow. You can be consistent by simply showing up for you and your business. Rather it is on social media, a popup, a meeting, or whatever it is to help market your business. For those who are more “behind the scenes” business owners you can show up with email/ sms marketing, by the use of brand ambassadors/your team and etc.
Having a community of support is amazing. That support can come from family, friends, loyal clientele, or other business owners. That support system can do anything from motivate and advise to refer and buy. They want to see you win and/or want to win with you.
I have always said you have to do what you love, and will continue to say that. Operating a business is not easy and can take time. So it require patience, resilience, and faith that you may not have for a business in something you have no passion behind. It is hard to let go of or to give up on something you hold dear to you.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love to collab! I have collaborated with other businesses in the beauty, fashion and skincare field. I have also collaborated with fashion influencers and models. If there is anyone interested in collaborating, please dm us @cravediorboutique or email us at [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Cravediorboutique.com
- Instagram: @cravediorboutique
- Facebook: Crave Dior Boutique
- Youtube: @cravediorboutique
Image Credits
Models pictured are Takilah, Jearica, LoveJadore, and Jaee
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
